Raymond "Ray" C. Zucker

September 2, 1925 - March 4, 2013

Raymond Carl Zucker (Ray), 87, of Green Valley, Arizona passed away on March 4, 2013 following an accidental fall complicated during his recovery by a stroke. He was born on September 2nd 1925 to Clarence and Mona Zucker, grew up in Scribner, Nebraska and graduated from Scribner High School in 1942. After graduation he worked with his father in the family business, Zucker's Hatchery and Poultry Farm, eventually taking over and running the business. In 1945 Ray married Jeanette Heimann; they raised 2 sons, Robert and Thomas, and were married 58 years until her passing in 2004. Ray was very active in Scribner business and social activities, the Chamber of Commerce, and head of the Community Improvement Group. In 1959 he was elected president of the Nebraska Poultry Improvement Association. In 1968 as the poultry business faded he went to work for Iowa Beef Packers in nearby West Point as office manager and then personnel manager. Ray retired from IBP in 1988.
Ray and Jeanette moved to Green Valley, Arizona in 1988 where they were both active members of the Green Valley Elks Lodge. Ray served as Exalted Ruler of the Lodge from 1991 to 1992, then Secretary from 1995 to 2008, and Trustee from 2008 to 2013. He also served as President of the Past Exalted Rulers (PER) Association. For the Elks, Ray was the 'Go to Guy' for officers, new committee chairpersons and Lodge members. He was an avid golfer throughout most of his life and loved to dance.
Those left to cherish Ray's memory are his son, Dr. Robert Zucker and Robert's partner Toby Embry of San Rafael, California; brother Paul Zucker and wife Katherine of San Diego, California; loving companion Alice Hanrahan, of Green Valley; granddaughter Christine Swanger and husband Dallas of Lyons, Colorado; granddaughter Carolyn Cullen and husband Travis of Ankeny, Iowa; brother-in-law Ivan Heimann of Snyder, Nebraska; sisters-in-law Joyce Zucker of Deshler, Nebraska and Janet Heimann of Lee's Summit, Missouri; many nieces and nephews as well as many longtime friends in both Arizona and Nebraska. He will be missed by all.
Ray was preceded in death by his wife Jeanette, son Tom, granddaughter Katie, brother John, and sister JoAnne.
A funeral mass will be said at Our Lady of The Valley Catholic Church in Green Valley on Thursday, March 7 , 2013 at 10AM. A memorial service and reception will follow at the Elks Lodge in Green Valley at 12 noon on March 7, 2013. A memorial service and burial will be held in Scribner, Nebraska at a later date
The family asks that in lieu of flowers please send donations and memorials in Ray's name to the Green Valley Elk's Lodge #2592 at 2951 South Camino Mercado, Green Valley, AZ 85614.

Obituary Provided By:
Freeman Funeral Home
1249 E. 23rd St.
Fremont, NE  68025
www.ludvigsenmortuary.com